Automated date insert for imprinting a date on a molded product

Abstract

An automated date insert is provided that imprints the date on a molded product. The automatic date insert includes a front face with attached indicators that mark a date pattern onto the surface of the molded product. Each indicator is operatively connected to an indicating means that imprints a date on the molded product that corresponds to the date pattern of the indicator. The indicating means is operatively connected to an electric motor that is activated and controlled by a processing means such that the electric motor causes the indicator means to move a pre-selected amount corresponding to a pre-determined time or date interval transmitted by the processing means.

We claim:  
     
         1 . An automated date insert for use in imprinting a date on a molded product, the date insert comprising: 
 a frame having a front face, wherein the frame is capable of being mounted on a mold such that the front face is in direct contact with a surface of the molded product during molding;    at least one indicator operatively connected to the front face, wherein the indicator includes a date pattern that can be imprinted on the surface of the molded product during molding;    indicating means movable relative to the indicator, wherein the indicating means creates an imprint on the surface of the molded product during molding that is relative to the imprint created by the indicator;    an electric motor operatively connected to the indicating means;    and processing means for activating and controlling the electric motor at predetermined times or dates; 
 whereby the electric motor causes the indicating means to move a pre-selected amount relative to the indicator corresponding to the predetermined time or date interval transmitted by the processing means.  
   
     
     
         2 . The automated date insert of  claim 1 , wherein the indicating means comprises at least one shaft with an internal rotating pin.  
     
     
         3 . The automated date insert of  claim 1 , wherein the processing means is a microprocessor that generates an electrical signal used to activate and control the electric motor.  
     
     
         4 . The automated date insert of  claim 1 , wherein the frame further comprises a motor mounting plate, motor cover box and indicator retaining plate.  
     
     
         5 . The automated date insert of  claim 1 , comprising three indicators, three indicating means, and three electric motors.  
     
     
         6 . The automated date insert of  claim 5 , wherein the indicators have respective date patterns relating to a shift, a day, and a month.  
     
     
         7 . The automated date insert of  claim 5 , wherein the indicators have respective date patterns relating to an hour, a day, and a month.